Solve Garden Problems With Ground Covers

Are you tired of coaxing turfgrass to grow in difficult spots? In her book Groundcover Revolution, Kathy Jentz says that ground covers can be the solution to these struggles.

- Marisa Reyes

Are you tired of coaxing turfgrass to grow in difficult spots? In her book Groundcover Revolution, Kathy Jentz says that ground covers can be the solution to these struggles. She shares practical tips for replacing turfgrass with low-maintenance plants that thrive on slopes, in clay soil, deep shade, heavy clay and more. And she emphasizes that when you choose the right plants for the right spot, you can reduce water usage, the need for fertilizers and pesticides and support wildlife habitats. If you're ready to turn some problem spots in your lawn into thriving, beautiful spaces with minimal effort, check out Kathy's recommendations.

WHAT IS A GROUND COVER? Kathy broadly defines "ground cover" as any plant that densely covers the soil. She doesn't limit her definition to a particular height, and includes all types of plants-annuals, perennials, vines, ornamental grasses and shrubs.

Here are 5 ways to use ground covers to solve landscaping problems.

1. STOP EROSION ON SLOPES OR HILLSIDES

Growing turfgrass on slopes or hillsides presents several challenges: Rainwater can cause erosion, washing away both soil and seeds before grass can establish; slopes don't retain water well, leaving grass dry and stressed, and mowing on steep terrain is not only difficult, but also dangerous. With the right plant, you can keep soil in place, prevent erosion and retire your mower.

Of course, you'll want to choose a plant that will have good coverage on top of the soil, but on slopes, what's happening underground is just as important. First, you'll want a plant that anchors itself into the soil with a strong, fibrous root system, such as winter Jasmine or creeping juniper. This will help hold soil in place and prevent plants from sliding down the hill in a heavy rain. If a plant spreads by underground rhizomes, it can also help stabilize a slope. Pennsylvania sedge and switchgrass are a couple of good examples.